"I think I'll send Thessalus,"Alexander declared to the group of friends gathered around him.
Hephaistion's heart sank. "Alexander, are you sure?"He spoke more urgently this time."What if your father's got a better match for you?"
Some of the Companions snorted. "What's better than a Carian princess crucial to the invasion, Hephaistion?" Harpalos said excitedly.
It had gotten out of hand quickly. Learning of the king's plan to marry his brother to the Carian princess in a letter from the absent Olympias, Alexander's anxiety had swelled and his temper had flared. Although she was still in exile at her brother's cpurt in Epiros, Olympias still presided over a formidable intelligence network and exerted influence over her son. Alexander had believed her words immediately and had called his friends together for advice.
"He can't have a better match," said Erigyius angrily."Or he'd have made it already, wouldn't he?"
"Princesses are slim pickings around the Aegean,"Ptolemy commented, contemplating the mosaic floor from his nodded.
Hephaistion looked away in disgust. It had been Ptolemy who had suggested the need to outmanoeuvre Philip, leading Alexander to announce that he would marry the girl himself.
"I'll message, THessalus,Alexander," Perdikkas, perched on the arm of a chaise, said.
"What if the girl's no use?"Hephaistion argued, managing to meet Alexander's eyes across the dining couches. He glanced at the others,"Arridahaeus is known to be dumb-if he can score a princess, you must be able to do better!"
"We know why you're against it, Hephaistion,"Philotas drawled, spread out on a couch.
Hephaistion's eyes narrowed. When he looked up, he saw that Alexander had crossed the dining section and was walking to the balcony. He was still a bit red. Hephaistion followed him and they were alone, hearing the chatter inside.
"Alexander,"Hephaistion said earnestly."Talk to your father, there may be an explanation."
Alexander scoffed and refused,"What's the matter with you? You know it won't change anything between us. Nothing could; this is just politics."
Hephaistion goggled him for a moment, dubious, indignant and embarrassed. "I know,"he said lamely. He watched Alexander's fidgety face and knew all he wanted was Hephaistion's consent. Hephaistion didn't want to be the lover who held him back."Fine, then,"he said and saw Alexander's face clear."I don't agree, I really don't, but I'll support you."
Relief shone on Alexander's face and he squeezed Hephaistion's hand before returning inside. "I'll write to Thessalus myself, Perdikkas, but thanks."
It was still early the next morning when a servant announced that the king's guards were waiting for him in the courtyard.
Hephaistion almost choked. He put down his wine and looked up at his grandmother's servant whose face echoed his own anxiety. He knew instinctively that Philip had found out.
"Health to you,"he said evenly to the two armed men.
"Health to you, Hephaistion,"said the senior of the two."The king has summoned you and we are ordered to escort you."
They made no indication to tie him so he pressed his chance,"Can I know what for?"
"Those are our orders."
They didnt cause much of a stir as they walked through the still stirring city centre, though the guards walked on either side of their charge. As they walked, Hephaistion thought quickly. There were plenty of ways Philip could've known:the servants, the messenger, someone might've talked...But how angry would he be? Had they committed treason? No, surely not, Hephaistion thought, apprehensive.
The atmosphere was tense in the king's study. There was a large space from the door Hephaistion entered to the desk across the room. Halfway across stood Alexander, in an embroidered white chiton, his back to the door. Philip stood at his mahogany desk, his forearm resting on his chair, a foul look on his face. And in the sitting area to the right, in the shadow of a large shelf, stood Philotas, his sightless eyes trained on a gold statue of Nike. Hephaistion swallowed his increasing fear as Alexander turned at his entrance. His two-coloured eyes showed a whirlwind of emotions, foremost to Hephaistion he looked trapped.
Hephaistion moved his eyes to the king who had made no sign of recognising him, his face turned to the painted wall behind the desk. He wanted to announce himself but he knew his voice, laden with anxiety, would sound small in the vast room. Above all, Philip was king.
It was an awkward few minutes, Alexander had turned back to face his father, though he looked out towards the closed balcony. He, too, was waiting. Finally Philip turned around and dismissed the guards who brought Hephaistion. He walked round the desk and turned his one eye on Hephaistion. The stitched up eye only highligted the fury in the other. "So, Hephaistion,"he said and chewed his lips. He glanced at Alexander and then began pacing the length of the desk."I've been talking to my son here about his latest decision. You know which one."
Hephaistion said nothing.
"Well?"Philip stopped to stare directly at him."I'm told you didn't agree with it."
He knew then. It was awkward, especially for Alexander to be chastised in front of his lover. He didn't want to give Philip the satisfaction of thinking they were divided but he couldn't think of anything to say that wouldn't imply Alexander was right which would only further anger Philip.
The king was angry anyway. "By Zeus, Alexander, I give you an expensive education and these are the decisions you make!"he spat. He shook his head. "I blame your advisors. What were they thinking?"
"It was my decision, Father,"Alexander said firmly."Like I said, you can blame me."
"I do blame you!"Phlip retorted. He took a breath and turned his attention back to Hephaistion."what do you say, Hephaistion?"
Hephaistion paled. "I think there has been a lack of communication all round, Sire,"he said slowly, though he met Philip's eye.
Philip raised an eyebrow and scoffed. There was a brief silence before he faced Alexander again,"Your friends will be exiled, Alexander."
"Father, no!"
Hephaistipn began to sweat as Alexander rushed closer to his father. "It was my decision."
"But they advised you badly and they didn't stop you,"Philip said sternly. "Such bad influences must be kept away from you!"
"Father, I said I'm sorry,"Alexander said, the slightest edge of desperation in his voice."Punish me, not them."
"This is the responsibility of leadership, Alexander. Your decisions have consequences!"Philip snapped. Before Alexander could rebutt, he returned to Hephaistion."As fpr Hephaistion, he will stay here."
Hephaistion's heart stopped between relief and fear as Philip went on, addressing his son,"If he gives such good advice again, you'd do well to take it. If not, I'll have to repeat the lesson in the responsibility of leadership!"
Alexander's horror showed. "He advised me against it,"Alexander tried to dissuade Philip."You know he did! How can you punish him for it?"
"I suspect Hephaistion understands better,"Philip responded angrily. He pointed his finger at Alexander."Just you behave yourself, Alexander, and you'll both be fine!"
Alexander wanted to argue but Philip snapped above him,"Hephaistion. Philotas. Dismissed."
Hephaistion bowed slightly as Alexander looked defiantly at his father and then left the room. In the hallway he shot Philotas an angry look, shaking as he bit his lip.
Hephaistion waited for Alexander in the prince's quarters. Noone had stopped or followed him but he knew he carried a death threat on him. It was so terrible. His life was totally dependent on Alexander's behaviour-rather, it was dependent on Philip's assessment of Alexander's behaviour. Why had Alexander insisted on marrying Pixodaros' daughter, Hephaistion despaired. It was an easy answer and had everything to do with his insecurity.
The door opened and Hephaistion's heart jumped as Alexander came in, his face so contained it told only of the intensity of the emotions inside. Hephaistion may have been near despair but he couldn't blame Alexander and as the door closed he held out his arms. Alexander rushed into them and they held each other tightly, silently. Then Alexander held him at arm's length.
"I'm sorry,"he said and he looked it. His voice shook and he bowed his head,"I'm so sorry, Hephaistion."
His lover shook his head,"For what? You don't need to apologise."
"I tried to talk to him, make him change his mind but-"
"What?No,"Hephaistion said, whitening." I was so afraid when he said exile. At least we're together this time."
"You do realise what he meant, don't you?"Alexander gaped, his eyes cloudy."You're his hostage! Hostage to my behaviour. Oh, gods, I've ruined you!"
Hephaistion shook his head rapidly and squeezed his hands,"No! Just the opposite, you've made me happier than anything, Alexander!"
A few tears escaped Alexander's eyes. "I don't deserve you,"he said. He paused, wiped away the tears and cleared his throat."I should have listened to you. And all I did was dismiss your concerns as jealousy! I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."
Alexander began crying silently again. Hephaistion pulled him to the couch and crouched on the floor in front of him, his hand on Alexander's knee,"No, no, I don't want you like this because of me. I'm not mad with you. I know you were worried. Your father's being harsh but he won't hurt me."
"How can you say that?"Alexander scoffed."He's furious with me. So angry. He's having Thessalus arrested! Tomorrow I have to apologise in front of the whole court!"
"What?"Hephaistion exclaimed, indignant. He rubbed his knee."I'm sorry, Alex. I meant what I said about better communication. He could've told you about the plan, too. It's not just ypur fault."
"But it is mostly my fault. Isn't it?"Alexander said, catching onto Hephaistion's implication.
Hephaistion sighed slightly,"I can't pretend you're entirely innocent, Alexander. You made a mistake, so does everyone."
"He called me a fool. He was right, I suppose,"Alexander added miserably, a bit indignant.
"You're not a fool. One mistake doesn't make you a fool," Hephaistion replied with passion."He's harsh on you now because he wants the best of you. He's overreacting because he panicked about the alliance and because he expects a lot of you, he sees your potential. Did he say what would happen with the girl?"
"He's sent a message nullifying my offer and trying for Arridahaeus still,"Alexander replied. He sighed."But he feels they won't take him when they were offered me."
Hephaistion kissed his hand,"They'll figure it out. He's done bigger deals before."
"I just can't believe what I've done to you."
"He won't hurt me because he loves you. He knows how much I mean to you and that can be used both ways. He's using it to play with you now but it's in your favour, too, because he won't take me away. He won't push you too far,"Hephaistion whispered.
"I hope you're right."
Hephaistion's lips gave a quirky smile. "Of course I am. And don't worry about me: I'm Macedonian, aren't I? I have a sword and am willing to travel."
Alexander managed a laugh,"Thank the gods for you!"
